A dead bobcat found along Hudson Drive SW, east of Navarre, is believed to be the first documented sighting of the cat in Stark County, according to Wildlife Officer Mark Basinger of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Basinger picked up the road-killed bobcat Monday while traveling through the area. The 12-pound male, likely under 1 year old, was distinguishable from a house cat because of its spotted belly and white patches behind the ear.

"No Division of Wildlife personnel has seen it (in Stark County)," Basinger said. "...I was very surprised to find it."

Basinger said many people have reported spotting bobcats, which in Ohio typically grow to 35 pounds, but have not provided proof. The department is encouraging people, especially hunters who may pick up images of a bobcat on trail cameras, to report their sightings.

Basinger's finding comes as ODNR biologists have proposed removing the bobcat from Ohio's threatened-species list. The Ohio Wildlife Council will vote in March on the proposal.

It was one of 71 species placed on the state's endangered species list in 1974. It moved to the threatened-species list in 2012. ODNR has recorded several verified sightings of the animal in recent years, said Jamey Emmert, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Between 1970 and 2009, bobcats were spotted 359 verifiable times, with 92 sightings coming in 2009. There were between six and 10 unverified sightings in Stark County during that time.

That period was followed by three-straight years of 100 or more sightings, including 169 in 2012. Before Basinger's finding, ODNR had verified bobcat sightings in 31 of Ohio's 88 counties but not Stark.

It is most widely seen in southeastern Ohio, Basinger said. Bobcats prey on small animals, like rabbits, squirrels and mice and, like a house cats, attack quickly. They are not a threat to humans and are most commonly spotted in brushy or swampy habitats.

Anyone who spots a bobcat is encouraged to call ODNR at 800-WILDLIFE (800-9453-5433) or at the District 2 office at 330-644-2293.

Bobcats

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Weight and Length: Adult males weigh about 28 pounds and range from 32 and 37 inches in length. Females average 15 pounds and are typically 29 to 34 inches long.

Description: One of seven species of cat native to Ohio, the bobcat has short, dense and soft fur that varies in color from light gray, yellowish brown, buff, brown and reddish brown. Fur on the middle of the back is darker than the sides. Its underbelly is white with dark spots or bars. It has distinguishable white spots on the back of its ears, the tips of which are black. Its tail is also black.

Habitat: It is solitary, territorial and elusive. Adult females have extremely low tolerance for other adults females in their home range. They lie in wait for their prey and pounce when it comes near. They eat rabbits, rodents, reptiles, fish and sometimes deer.